ACCESS. OPPORTUNITY. APPLAUSE FOR ALL.
Providing scholarships, opportunity, and support to make performing arts education accessible for all.
OUR MISSION
Friends of Broadway Babies and Kids is a non-profit 501c3 whose mission is to create accessibility to high caliber performing arts education to children and families of all ages, abilities, and socio-economic groups by providing funding through scholarships, and creating various accessible performance and educational opportunities.
The History and Legacy of Friends
Friends of Broadway Babies and Kids was born from a moment of love, necessity, and an unwavering belief in the power of the performing arts to heal, connect, and transform lives.
The idea began when one of our young students, an extraordinary child with a rare form of ear cancer, was suddenly unable to return to class while undergoing intensive chemotherapy treatments. For him, the studio was more than a place to sing and dance; it was a source of joy, normalcy, friendship, and hope. When he could no longer come to us, the question became clear:
How could we bring the class to him?
So we did.
Back in 2017, Founder Katie Kerwin-Gielniak began traveling to his home, creating moments of music, movement, laughter, storytelling and belonging during an unimaginably difficult time.
“I can't tell you how much we appreciate you and Broadway Babies. Teacher Katie was the only other contact Adrian had during his 2 years of intense chemo and he absolutely loves her. Dance really allowed him to understand his body and keep his spirit going”.~Hana (Mom of A)
These visits reminded us that the performing arts are not just about the stage, they are about human connection, resilience, and the healing power of shared experience.
However, as medical bills mounted and resources became strained, it became clear that sustaining this work required more than goodwill alone. While classes were offered through personal effort and volunteerism, we recognized the need for a formal structure that could support teachers, expand access, and ensure that no child or family would be excluded due to financial hardship or circumstance.
From this realization, Friends of Broadway Babies and Kids was formed.
The nonprofit was created to support initiatives that extend the life-changing benefits of the performing arts into the broader community, particularly to those facing medical, financial, or personal challenges. Our mission is rooted in the belief that everyone belongs, and that the arts are a powerful vehicle for healing, leadership development, confidence building, and lifelong skills both physically mentally and emotionally.
Through Friends of Broadway Babies and Kids, we provide educational enrichment opportunities, scholarships, outreach programs, and special initiatives that allow students to train with industry professionals and dedicated educators, both locally and abroad. These experiences create lasting memories, meaningful connections, builds a community and a sense of purpose that extends far beyond the classroom or stage.
What began as an effort to support one child became a commitment to performing arts for all.
Today, Friends of Broadway Babies and Kids honors its origins by creating inclusive spaces that cultivate creativity, leadership, and connection through the performing arts.
WAYS TO GIVE
DONATE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE'S LIFE
A donation to Friends of Broadway Babies makes a meaningful gift. We use funding to sponsor specific initiatives. Let us know how you would like to see your contribution make the biggest impact.
COMPANY MATCHING & OTHER WAYS TO GIVE
Many companies offer matching programs where your financial donation may be matched to some extent. Contact your company for details, we would love to partner with businesses in our community looking to make a difference.
3rd ANNUAL LADYBUG PICNIC 2026
SEE YOU SATURDAY 5/16/2026 1pm-4pm
🌻🐞Join our community for some fun and celebration of one of the founders of our organization, Kimberly Wunderlich the "Ladybug". Kim had a knack for bringing together our community through the performing arts! We will continue celebrating her legacy with our Annual "Ladybug Picnic" in her honor May of 2026, Mother's Day crafts, performances, games and fun.
So come say hi, and be a ladybug with us!
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